It’s a curious twist of fate in the automotive world: a badge synonymous with eye-watering supercar prices is now finding itself in the same financial ballpark as a mainstream family SUV. As the cost of new vehicles continues its upward trajectory, the used car market is quietly revealing some truly unexpected performance bargains for savvy buyers.
Consider this: the Ford Puma, a popular choice for families and individuals alike, held the title of the UK’s best-selling new car in 2025. Its starting price hovered around £26,000, quickly climbing past £30,000 for higher trims. Even strong contenders in the family SUV segment, like the Kia Sportage, typically command prices above this entry-level figure.
Yet, astonishingly, reports suggest that astute shoppers could potentially snag a used Porsche 718 for a sum in the region of £24,000 to £25,000. This figure not only falls below the cost of Britain’s most popular new car but also offers a gateway into the prestigious Porsche ownership experience for a surprisingly accessible price.
Unlocking Performance for Your Pound
The Porsche 718, a sleek and compact two-door coupe, has historically offered exhilarating performance. Early models featured a potent 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, churning out a healthy 296bhp. For those seeking an extra surge of power, a more potent 2.5-litre variant was available, delivering a thrilling 345bhp. The performance pedigree was further cemented when a legendary six-cylinder engine made a triumphant return to the range in 2020 with the introduction of the GTS model.
This isn’t just about raw power, though. Experts highlight the all-encompassing appeal of the 718. Alex Wolstenholme from Autocar, a respected voice in automotive journalism, commented on the exceptional value proposition: “To enjoy that coveted blend of performance, refinement, usability and dependability that Porsche serves up so well, you’d struggle to do better than a 718 – probably the best way you could spend £25,000.”
Furthermore, the enduring quality of Porsche engineering translates into impressive long-term value. Wolstenholme added, “Like all good Porsches, residuals are rock-solid at roughly half the new price a decade on for the cheapest, high-mileage examples. A 2.0-litre Cayman is the lowest-priced route to a 718.” This means that while you’re investing in a thrilling driving experience today, the car is likely to retain a significant portion of its value over time, making it a sound financial proposition as well as an exciting one.
Navigating the Used Car Landscape
Despite its undeniable performance credentials and the allure of the Porsche badge, the 718 hasn’t been a dominant force in the UK’s most frequently traded used cars over the past year. The top spot, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), was firmly held by the Ford Fiesta. In 2025 alone, a staggering 303,090 Fiestas changed hands, highlighting its enduring popularity as a reliable and accessible hatchback.
The broader used car market itself has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. The SMMT reported a 2.2% expansion in used car sales last year, marking the third consecutive year of positive growth. This sustained expansion points to a healthy and dynamic market, offering a wide array of choices for consumers.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, elaborated on the market’s strength: “A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market’s resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs – in the used market.” This recovery in new car sales is feeding into the used market, bringing a greater variety of vehicles, including increasingly affordable electric options, to pre-owned buyers.
Hawes also noted the growing consumer confidence in cleaner motoring: “The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring. Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market.” This suggests that while the used market is thriving, a robust new car market remains crucial for future progress, particularly in the transition to greener transportation.
For those with a keen eye for value and a passion for driving dynamics, the current used car market presents an opportune moment to explore the potential of models like the Porsche 718. It’s a testament to how, with a bit of research and patience, the dream of owning a premium performance car might be more attainable than ever before.
